What is Screen Mirroring and How to Use It on Different Devices?

Introduction

Screen mirroring demonstrates itself as a practical tool after mastering its basic operation. Screen mirroring helps you connect portable media between smaller devices and larger displays for various purposes, including work presentations, phone video streaming, and educational lessons. This introduction provides step-by-step instructions about screen mirroring technology, together with its operation through Windows 10, iOS, and StarryOS, which runs the StarryHub projector device.

Table of Content

1. What is Screen Mirroring and How Does It Work?

2. Advantages of Screen Mirroring

3. Who Will Use Screen Mirroring?

4. How to Use It on Windows 10, iOS, or StarryOS? 4.1 How to Mirror a Windows Laptop to StarryHub? 4.2 How to Mirror an iPhone to StarryHub?

5. Common Wireless Display Technologies

6. What Should You Consider When Choosing a Screen Mirroring System？

7. FAQs of Screen Mirroring

1. What is Screen Mirroring and How Does It Work?

Have you ever thought of connecting your phone to a projector? Screen mirroring allows you to reflect directly to another screen what is being shown on yours, for whatever (smartphone, tablet, laptop), on a different screen like a TV or projector, in real time. Contrary to the casting, which may simply forward a video, an application, or a particular app, screen mirroring replicates whatever is on your screen, including applications, notifications, and user interfaces.

This technology uses wireless protocols such as Miracast, AirPlay (for Apple devices), and Google Cast. For the reason that the two (sending and receiving devices) are to function correctly, both devices need to have the same protocol for them to work.

Example:

Suppose you are doing a presentation and you would like to project your laptop screen. You are to use screen mirroring as opposed to using a cable to connect. As you scroll through slides or switch to the browser, your audience sees what you see, at the same time, on the big screen.

2. Advantages of Screen Mirroring

Screen mirroring technology provides rich functional advantages to visual collaboration environments, particularly in sharing visual content.

• No HDMI cables or adapters are needed for screen mirroring because there is no physical connection.

• The tool presents your device changes immediately on the larger display window.

• Most contemporary mobile phones, tablets, and portable computers support screen mirroring functionalities.

• The device functions equally well for entertainment purposes as well as for teaching and business activities.

Figure1-Screen mirroring technology

3. Who Will Use Screen Mirroring?

Company Meeting Rooms

Professional screen mirroring systems are perfect for businesses, enabling seamless sharing of presentations, collaboration, and brainstorming in meeting rooms, without the hassle of switching cables between presenters. Most systems offer simple button controls, allowing the focus to remain on content, not device setup. These devices usually work with Windows PCs and support both AirPlay and Miracast.

Education collaboration

In education, screen mirroring systems are rapidly replacing complex wired setups, allowing up to four signal sources to connect simultaneously, ideal for flipped classrooms and wireless presentations.

Home Entertainment

For events and home entertainment, movie enthusiasts can stream from Blu-ray players, while gamers and event organizers benefit from the ease of one-touch source switching. This feature is perfect for weddings, gaming tournaments, and other events, providing a cost-effective alternative to expensive HDMI switchers.

4. How to Use It on Windows, iOS, and StarryOS?

The StarryHub runs on its own StarryOS system and supports all major wireless casting protocols, making screen sharing quick and hassle-free.

4.1 How to Mirror a Windows Laptop to StarryHub？

If you're using a Windows laptop, connecting to StarryHub is simple thanks to built-in Miracast support—no need for extra apps or downloads. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Keep your laptop and the StarryHub projector turned on and connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 2: Open the Windows Connect Menu
Press Windows + K on your keyboard. This shortcut opens the built-in “Connect” sidebar that lets you find nearby wireless displays.

Step 3: Choose the StarryHub Projector
Look for your StarryHub in the list of available devices. When it shows up, click on it to start the connection.

Step 4: Wait for the Connection to Complete
 Windows will take a few seconds to connect. And choose the StarryHub as your display.

4.2 How to Mirror Your iPhone to StarryHub?

Thanks to Apple’s built-in AirPlay feature, you can wirelessly mirror your iPhone screen to the StarryHub projector in just a few steps. Whether you're presenting slides, showing a video, or demonstrating an app, this method is perfect for meetings and classrooms.

Step 1: Connect to the Same Wi-Fi Network
Before you start, make sure both your iPhone and the StarryHub projector are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. AirPlay only works when both devices are on the same local network.

Step 2: Open the Control Center
If you're using an iPhone without a Home button, swipe down from the top-right corner. And swipe up from the bottom of the screen with a Home button. Tap on “Screen Mirroring.”

Step 3: Select the StarryHub Projector
Your iPhone will start scanning for nearby AirPlay-compatible devices. When you see the StarryHub listed, tap it to connect.

That’s it — your iPhone screen will now be projected wirelessly in real time, whether you're playing a video, flipping through slides, or switching between apps. Of course, you can mirror your phone and laptop via CZUR sharing and ClickDrop.

Figure2-screen mirorring on CZUR StarryHub

4. How to Mirror an iPhone to a Windows Laptop？

Windows laptops do not natively support the AirPlay protocol. As a result, you'll need third-party software to mirror your iPhone screen to a Windows laptop. With the right tools in place, these additional steps make the process both simple and reliable.

Step 1: Install Third-Party AirPlay Receiver Software

First, install third-party AirPlay receiver software on your Windows laptop to transform it into an AirPlay display. A variety of well-known third-party AirPlay receiver applications exist:

• Reflector – A user-friendly AirPlay and Google Cast receiver for Windows and macOS.

• AirServer – Offers more advanced features, ideal for educators and presenters.

• LonelyScreen functions as an easy-to-utilize program with a basic design and simple operation.

Step 2: Launch the Software and Enable AirPlay Reception
Once you launch the software, your laptop will automatically turn into an AirPlay receiver. Make sure both your iPhone and laptop are connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 3: Start Screen Mirroring from Your iPhone
Open the Control Center on your iPhone, tap "Screen Mirroring," and select your laptop from the list of available devices. Within seconds, your iPhone screen will appear on your laptop.

Step 4: Use or Record the Mirrored Display
The software offers additional features like screen recording, screenshot capture, and full-screen mode, making it perfect for presentations and training sessions.

Step 5: Stop Mirroring
To end the screen mirroring, simply tap "Stop Mirroring" on your iPhone and close the receiving software on your laptop.

Figure3-Mirror an iPhone to a Windows Laptop

5. Common Wireless Display Technologies

Screen mirroring can be achieved through various wireless technologies, depending on the device platform and ecosystem. Each method differs in connection, compatibility, and real-time performance. The four most common technologies are:

Miracast: Supported on many Windows laptops and Android devices, Miracast uses Wi-Fi Direct to connect devices without internet. It supports 1080p video and audio and works with compatible receivers like StarryHub, smart TVs, and projectors.

AirPlay： Apple’s native solution for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, AirPlay allows wireless sharing to compatible devices such as Apple TV and StarryHub. It delivers high-quality audio/video with low latency, but both devices are on the same Wi-Fi and work only within the Apple ecosystem.

Google Cast (Chromecast)： Primarily for Android phones, Chromebooks, and the Chrome browser, Google Cast streams apps or screens to Cast-enabled displays. It relies on Wi-Fi and internet access and is ideal for streaming rather than full-screen mirroring.

DLNA： Once common for home media sharing, DLNA is now outdated due to its high latency and poor mobile support. Some smart TVs still offer it, but modern users prefer AirPlay or Miracast for better performance and interactivity.

Peer-to-Peer (P2P): P2P screen mirroring creates direct connection between source and receiver- by avoiding the need of shared Wi-Fi network. This is helpful for situations which lack internet such as conference rooms or on the go set up. Some of the Miracast and AirPlay implementations incorporate P2P modes.

6. What Should You Consider When Choosing a Screen Mirroring System?

Each screen mirroring system operates with different levels of quality. The functionality of different screen-mirroring solutions ranges from simple automatic operation to systems that need meticulous setup. The important elements to consider before deciding on your screen mirroring setup depend on your frequent usage patterns, including domestic use and classroom or office applications.

Device Compatibility

First, check if your device supports screen mirroring and the technology it uses. iPhones use AirPlay, while most Windows laptops and Android devices use Miracast. If incompatible, additional software or an adapter is required.

Wi-Fi Stability

The screen mirroring process needs a wireless connection, either through local Wi-Fi networks or Miracast's peer-to-peer technology. The instability of your network, combined with congestion or weak signal signals can lead to problems such as connection freezing or dropped links and lag.

For smoother performance:

• Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band if available.

• Place devices closer to the router.

• Limit other heavy internet activities during mirroring sessions.

Latency

There’s often a delay when mirroring a device’s actions to a screen. This is fine for videos, but interactive tasks like gaming or drawing need low latency. For smoother performance, choose devices built for fast, real-time response.

Ease of Use

Using screen mirroring systems should result in immediate access to easy-to-use functions. Users should access the system without setup procedures.

Plug-and-play functionality, like what you get with StarryHub, means

• The system automatically appears on your device’s screen mirroring menu.

• There’s minimal (or no) configuration required.

• It works the first time without having to troubleshoot.

Security

Security proves essential for spaces where multiple users share access, especially in environments that include schools or offices, and public venues. To keep your content private:

• Magnetic authentication systems with personal identification numbers or displays requiring verification pop-ups.

• Public Wi-Fi connections should always be avoided because they are not secure.

• The selection of access management software must be easy to handle when choosing platforms.

Figure4-secrity of screen mirroring system

7. FAQs of Screen Mirroring

1. Does Screen Mirroring Require Wi-Fi?

Wi-Fi is the most common method for screen mirroring, but there are alternative options such as Bluetooth (which may have limitations in range and quality), Miracast (which enables direct wireless connections without a Wi-Fi network), and wired connections (such as HDMI or USB-C). However, Wi-Fi generally provides the best performance and compatibility for screen mirroring.

2. How to Ensure Successful Screen Mirroring?

• Update device firmware.
  

• Ensure both devices are on the same network.
  

• Restart devices to fix connection issues.
  

• Reduce background applications.
  

• Use a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band to improve performance.
  

3. What is the Price of Screen Mirroring?
It is free if your devices are already compatible. Software for iOS to Windows mirroring costs between $10 and $20. 

Conclusion

Screen mirroring is a powerful feature that enhances our experience of sharing and interacting across devices. By learning how to operate screen mirroring and understanding the various technical options, you can maximize the efficiency of your devices and improve both work and entertainment experiences. Try different methods to find the screen mirroring solution that best suits your needs—looking for a conference device with excellent screen mirroring capabilities? 

Try CZUR StarryHub seamless screen mirroring and 4-device casting at the same time.